Trustee Changes at Top Energy Consumer Trust

Media Release
Kaikohe, Monday, 24 September 2007

Trustee Changes at Top Energy Consumer Trust

After nearly 15 years as a trustee and Chairman of the Top Energy Consumer Trust, Brian Thorburn has retired. The Trust owns the shares in Top Energy on behalf of Far North power consumers.

Mr Thorburn was one of five original Trustees appointed in 1993 when the Trust (then called the Bay of Islands Electric Power Trust) was created and Top Energy took over the operations of the old power board.

During Mr Thorburn’s time as Chairman, the value of Top Energy has increased six fold, from $25 million to $155 million. The activities of the company have expanded significantly during this time, from an energy retailer and power line asset owner to a Group, which now includes ownership of the Ngawha Power Station (presently being expanded from 10 to 25 MW output), electrical contracting activities, both locally and in Fiji and international Customer Contact Centre and medical transcription work.

“It has given me great pleasure to be involved with both the Trust and Top Energy. I believe we can all be proud of the way Top Energy has contributed to our local community. I would like to record my thanks to my fellow Trustees over the years, who have helped make my job as Chairman the pleasure that it has been. My thanks and gratitude also go to Top Energy directors and staff who have always been supportive of the Trust”, Mr Thorburn said.

Mr Thorburn’s position as Chairman has been taken up by Robin Shepherd, of Kaitaia. Mr Shepherd was previously Deputy Chairman and is now the last remaining trustee from the original group appointed in 1993. Ann Court of Kerikeri has been appointed to the position of Deputy Chair.

The Trust’s Deed requires the trustees to fill any casual vacancy until the next selection of trustees, which will occur in April 2009. The trustees have appointed Colin Kitchen of Kaitaia to fill the vacant trustee position, created by Mr. Thorburn’s retirement.

Mr Kitchen is a resident of Kaitaia. He is married to Raina and they have two adult children. A career fire fighter, who originally trained as a certified electrician, Mr Kitchen has served the New Zealand Fire Service for 38 years. At present he holds the position of Volunteer Support Officer for the Northland Fire Region. He has also held executive positions at local and national Fire Brigade Association level. Mr Kitchen is also currently a serving member of the Northern Community Board, representing the Kaitaia Riding. “I know I have big shoes to fill in relation to Brian’s contribution to the Trust but you can be assured I will represent the interests of power consumers to the best of my ability”, said Mr Kitchen. END.

ENDS

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